Friedrichson E, Rehberger P, Fuhrmann JT, Walz F, Meurer M, Pfeiffer C. [Fast and efficient healing of scleroderma-associated acral ulcers with sildenafil].
Hautarzt 2008;
59:230-2. [PMID:
17618409 DOI:
10.1007/s00105-007-1366-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Acral ulcers in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS) are often recalcitrant to therapy. Sildenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-5, dilates small arteries by increasing endothelial cGMP. Oral administration of sildenafil to a 35-year-old white male patient suffering from incapacitating PSS with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and acral ulcers induced a clinically significant reduction in dyspnea and increase in walking distance within one week as well as complete and long-lasting healing of all ulcers within five weeks. This case demonstrates the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of scleroderma-associated refractory acral ulcers.
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